On November 8, 2007, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced that it is awarding more than $37 million in Community Enhancement Fund grants to support a variety of community improvements. The grants will fund crucial programs, services and facilities in neighborhoods throughout Lower Manhattan.

The 33 grants will go to not-for-profit organizations for a range of projects including healthcare, education, community services, recreation and cultural projects. The grants address needs in each of Lower Manhattan’s distinct and diverse neighborhoods and communities.

The LMDC is providing $8.5 million towards improving healthcare services, $7.6 million for recreational facilities and programming, $4.5 million for the area’s public schools, and $8.8 million for services to assist low-income families, disadvantaged workers and businesses, children, and the elderly. Another $7.7 million will go to a group of diverse museums and cultural institutions to aid them in attracting visitors Downtown by expanding their programming and enhancing their facilities.